Rio Ferdinand believes that Manchester United fans cannot be disappointed that the club haven't challenged for the Premier League title this season.
United are in fourth place, 19 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City as Erik ten Hag's first campaign at Old Trafford draws to an close.
Ferdinand was eager to point out that at the start of the season United's ambition was to qualify for the Champions League, while they have also secured the added bonus of winning the Carabao Cup.
Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE podcast, Ferdinand said: 'You've got to be a realist. Man United's aspirations at the beginning of the season were never to win the league, it was to be finishing in the top four and if you got your hands on a trophy he swum the channel, whatever trophy it was. That's where he's at.
'Hopefully if we finish in the top four you can say well done. Because you start hovering around the top you've got to still stay realistic if you're at a football club. Man United can't get out of their pram.'
Former United defender Ferdinand has backed ten Hag's side to push on further next season if they recruit well this summer.
He said: 'New recruitment time this summer, recruit well and you can look a bit further beyond what we did at the start of last season. But to think that we're going to go, oh my God we're so disappointed we're not fighting for the league, that was never on the radar.'
For now United are focused on attempting to finish in the top four. They are currently one point ahead of Liverpool, who have played a game more.
United suffered a 1-0 defeat away to West Ham on Sunday, with an error from goalkeeper David de Gea gifting Said Benrahma a goal.
Ten Hag's side have four league games remaining this season as they will take on Wolves, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham.
In addition, they have made it through to the FA Cup final, where they will face rivals Manchester City.
Busbybabes
0
Challenge for the title? United are looking a little bit better (maybe) from last season but the only reason for them to be in top four is the bad seasons that both Liverpool and Chelsea have this year.
Its always the same , when Liverpool and Chelsea finish in top 4 is because United had a bad season.
Teehefkay
0
there needs to be a full haulage.
Roobs67
0
ETH needs at least 4 new world class recruits to challenge fr the title
AustinEvergreen1
0
π«΅ The Current roster = A Bunch of Highly Over-paid Professional Footballers. Absolutely, no one fears them or respects them because it has now become general knowledge that they are mediocre π€·. They don't look capable of winning any of the remaining EPL games, therefore, like last season, Once again, like Mourinho said, Specialists at failure in the transfer market. Failure to Qualify will make things difficult to attracted quality Footballers, who all wanna participate in the Champions League. Then there's the FA Cup Final, which , if current form is anything to go by , shall turn of to be VERY EMBARRASSING π³π‘π‘π‘π€¬π₯π’πππππππππ
You don't deserve that batch take it down, ingrates Chelsea spent over 600m and yet below top10 and Ten hag's 1st season he's done so well and just so you know United still have a better chance of finishing top4 ahead of both Liverpool and Newcastle.
zimbabimba
0
Challenge for the title? United are looking a little bit better (maybe) from last season but the only reason for them to be in top four is the bad seasons that both Liverpool and Chelsea have this year.
Botadilryz
0
It will be failure if United fail to make top4
Youtd4eva
2
π«΅ The Current roster = A Bunch of Highly Over-paid Professional Footballers. Absolutely, no one fears them or respects them because it has now become general knowledge that they are mediocre π€·. They don't look capable of winning any of the remaining EPL games, therefore, like last season, Once again, like Mourinho said, Specialists at failure in the transfer market. Failure to Qualify will make things difficult to attracted quality Footballers, who all wanna participate in the Champions League. Then there's the FA Cup Final, which , if current form is anything to go by , shall turn of to be VERY EMBARRASSING π³π‘π‘π‘π€¬π₯π’πππππππππ
AlhadAsolkar
0
Wont even finish in top 4 now
AdrianShion
0
A team like man united to finish on top doesnβt make news at all come on Ferdinand
should read well before comment. this is the author picking Rio statement on his podcast and put it as a news.
bazdeikosy
0
But still finishing in top four is doubtful also....
bazdeikosy
0
A team like man united to finish on top doesnβt make news at all come on Ferdinand
Catabckr
2
A lot of player need to go please
Catabckr
0
Ferdinand is right to make the tup 4 yes but now United has tell as day can not challenge for the title next season trust hear is a lot of work to do at the club we need player can make things better for this club not those guys who play for dear self
SheldonCooper
4
Well said Ferdinand! Ferdinand knows best having been at prime United under the great SAF. Most of the current lot, if under the great SAF, will be sold, even Fernandes won't be captain (SAF never had a whining, flailing arm captain). Rashford will be made a super sub (he's lazy, don't track back & help his midfield). ETH first needs the fund. His recent interview he answered "I don't know" is very worrying. I think ETH will leave for Madrid or PSG if United don't support him this coming transfer window.